U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations Dec 12, 2015

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590

Chicago Air Drones is requesting FAA authorization to operate a UAS for civil 

purposes other than recreation or hobby. This Exemption Request is Under 

Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 

C.F.R. Part 11, Chicago Air Drones, seeks an exemption from Federal Aviation 

Regulations detailed below for (1) DJI Inspire 1, and (1) DJI Phantom Series 3 

Professional quadcopter manufactured by DJI.

This requested exemption would support an application for a commercial 

Certificate of Authorization to use the system to support aerial photography and 

videography. The DJI Inspire 1 @(6.5lbs) and DJI Phantom Series 3 Professional

@(3lbs) consist of a battery operated aircraft, a tablet-based ground control 

station and/ a RC Controller, and associated communications equipment. Both of 

these UAS carry an onboard camera that allows them to obtain both photography 

and videography.

The UAS will always be operated in the field with a PIC in accordance with the FAA 

Policy N 8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UAS".

Chicago Air Drones respectfully requests the grant of exemption allowing them to 

operate lightweight (under 55lbs), remote controlled UAS lawfully and safely.

Chicago Air Drones also respectfully requests Exemption Request Section 333 

from (but not limited to) the Specific Sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations and part 11 of the Federal Aviation. Regulations listed below.
14 C.F.R.45.23 (b); 14 CFR Part 21; 14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 

91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119; 91.121~ 91.151(a); 91.203(a) & (b); 91.405 (a); 

91.407(a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.417 (a) & (b)

The extent of relief Chicago Air Drones seeks and the reason why:

Chicago Air Drones is seeking relief from any applicable FARs in operation that

prevents Chicago Air Drones from conducting aerial shots of real estate and other 

possible legal flight operations. The weight of the UAS meets the definition of 

''small unmanned aircraft” found in section 331 "The Reform Act”. Chicago Air 

Drones seeks to operate legally as a small business employed by real estate agents

and inspectors.

At less than 7 pounds, Chicago Air Drones uses UAS that is considerably less than 

55 lbs. including camera and battery. The UAS will be used at speeds less than 35 

mph because of the nature of the business and also the physical capabilities of the 

UAS by design. The UAS will be flying and taking pictures normally below 200ft.

The UAS that Chicago Air Drones would be using only utilizes battery power for its 

operations. There are no combustible fuels used in the UAS that Chicago Air 

Drones uses. The maximum battery flight time for this UAS is 20 minutes. The

actual maximum flight time will be very minimal.

A safety system built into all Chicago Air Drones UAS includes GPS that allows the 

UAS to return home if communication is lost or if the battery life is critical.

Also a Pilot in Command (PIC) operational control is in operation from beginning 

to end and controls the UAS while in the air. For added safety, line of site of the 

UAS will be maintained during the entire flight. The 2.4GHz radio 

transmitter/controller operated by the PIC to control the UAS while in flight;

receives live video, and flight data from the on-board camera and computer. 

The UAS, weighing less than 7lbs fully loaded, is powered by batteries and 

operates with no people on board which lowers the likelihood of death or serious 

bodily injury. With a small payload consisting of harmless electronics such as a 

camera and GPS, the UASs only purpose is to be used to take pictures and videos.
Current applicant has used helicopters and small planes for this purpose but the 

cost of fuel, time, and pollution emissions of such aircraft are environmentally 

hazardous and costly. The reduced costs and efficiency of these new electric UAS 

allows more customers to take advantage of these services. 

We strongly believe in giving back to our community and CHICAGO AIR DRONES 

will reach out to our local authorities and first responders providing free services

for actions that could benefit the public, including fire and search and rescue. 

Chicago Air Drones will not operate a UAS near airports and generally does not fly 

over crowds. Situational awareness is most important. The areas where Chicago 

Air Drones conducts aerial photography is predetermined which allows for a 

controlled environment to operate safely. 

Based on the size and run times of these smaller UAS any likelihood of injury or 

even death from such a small unmanned aircraft is considerably low, compared to 

a full sized aircraft flown loaded with highly combustible fuel.

Operational Summary:

Chicago Air Drones business is owned and operated by mature adults, and will

strictly follow all safety guidelines of the FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 14 

"Operational Requirements for UAS” with the appropriate exemptions for flying a 

small UAS.

1) No flights with a UAS gross weight exceeding 55lbs

2) All operations will occur in FAA Class G airspace at no more than 400 ft. AGL, at 

airspeeds of no more than 25 knots, no more than 3/4 NM from the Pilot In Charge 

3) Operations will be restricted to flights over private property with the full written 

permission of the property owner 

4) All additional permits will be obtained prior to any operations

5) The UAS will avoid densely populated areas and air shows

6) The UAS will not be operated over any open-air assembly of people 
7) The UAS will not be operated over heavily traveled roads

8) The UAS will not be operated within 5 NM of a major airport 

9) Operations will be restricted to day and weather conditions equivalent to VFR 

10) Before each flight a written Pre-Flight Inspection will be completed by the PIC 

to ascertain that the UAS is in a proper condition for safe flight 

11) We will ascertain business insurance for the safety of the public and property

12) Any FAA changes to policy will be immediately adopted and followed

These operations are the bare minimum safety guidelines Chicago Air Drones will 

follow. Chicago Air Drones also is more than willing to follow any additional safety 

requirements if not listed above.

Chicago Air Drones believes that flying its UAS as a small business within the 

safety parameters of the FAA, will protect and help the general public, and 

promote a healthy housing economy.

Applicant name and contact information:

Chicago Air Drones.com

Attn: Donald Tieri

Phone: 630-707-1679

Email: donaldtieri@gmail.com

Website: Chicagoairdrones.com 

Chicago Air Drones respectfully requests that the FAA grants this exemption 

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

Donald Tieri (Owner) Chicago Air Drones.com